IRELAND has voiced its support for the EU with or without Britain as a member.
More than three-quarters of Irish people believe Ireland should stay in the EU regardless of Britain’s future in the union.
In the same week that Prime Minister David Cameron undertook a two-day, four capital tour of Europe, a poll has revealed that 77 per cent of Irish people support Ireland retaining its ties with Europe even if Britain votes to leave in the ‘Brexit’ referendum.
The survey, conducted by European Movement Ireland and Red C, also found that the vast majority – 84 per cent – believe that Ireland has benefitted from its EU membership.
David Cameron has promised a referendum on Britain’s place in the by 2017.
A poll released on Monday by the website Conservative Home revealed that almost two thirds of party members want Mr Cameron to stick to his original timetable for the referendum.
But on his recent diplomatic tour of Europe, where he also meet with German chancellor Angela Merkel, the Prime Minister spoke about the need for “flexible and imaginative” reform within the EU to mixed reaction.
In Ireland, however, figures show a rise in support for the Irish relationship with Europe, after a similar poll carried out two years ago showed less favourable results.
“The situation in the UK is a huge concern,” said European Movement Ireland Executive Director Noelle O’Connell. “It is very noteworthy that in the last two years, a growing number of Irish people believe that even if our nearest neighbours leave, that we should remain in the EU.”
But Irish support for the EU varies from region to region – with Munster showing significantly more support than Connaught, Ulster and Leinster.
Just 18 per cent of Munster respondents said Ireland should leave the EU, while 27 per cent Connaught, Ulster and Leinster residents supported an Irish EU exit.
Aside from the EU, the Red C poll also found that almost seven-in-10 people would support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership – a proposed free trade agreement between the EU and the US .
Meanwhile just 33 per cent agreed that there should be an EU army.
